How to Groom a Shetland Sheepdog

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Slicker and/or pin brush
Natural bristle brush
Metal comb
Mat rake/splitter
Detangling spray
Piece of cotton cloth
Scissors

Step 1:
Brush out the dog's coat, every day if possible, to remove tangles and mats from the undercoat. Use pin brushes, slicker brushes, natural bristle brushes and metal combs alternately, depending upon the state of the coat and the number of mats. Apply a mist of water before you begin to help detangle the fur and only use the metal comb when necessary.
Step 2:
De-mat the dog's coat by using a splitter or mat rake for significantly bad tangles. Applying detangling spray before brushing out the coat may make it less painful for your Shetland Sheepdog.
Step 3:
Keep the hair on the head trimmed close and short. From all angles the head of the Shetland Sheepdog should look like a wedge angling in from ears to nose.
Step 4:
Use a moist piece of soft cotton cloth to remove dirt and grime that can collect in the corners of the Shetland Sheepdog's eyes.
Step 5:
Trim the coat as needed with scissors to keep the body looking as symmetrical as possible. This is a distinct look of any collie, and no part of the animal should look out of place with the rest of the body.

Tips & Warnings

The life expectancy of the Shetland Sheepdog is 12 to 15 years of age.
Breeders developed the Shetland Sheepdog as a herding dog.
There is a possibility that this breed can inherit malformation of the eyes. Have your vet examine the dog's eyes while he's still a puppy. Hypothyroidism and displacement of the patella are other possible inheritances.
This breed can gain weight easily. Don't overfeed them.

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